Procedures for Withdrawing Students for Disruptive Behavior

"An instructor may withdraw a student from a course with a mark of "W" or "E" when the student's behavior disrupts the educational process. Disruptive classroom behavior for this purpose is defined by the instructor." (Student Affairs Manual 602-10).

The instructor should first discuss the behavioral concerns with the student. At that time, the instructor may give the student a warning that any further disruptive behavior may result in an administrative withdrawal from the course. Any oral warning should be accompanied by a written letter to the student, documenting the student's disruptive behavior. The letter should be written in consultation with the department chair, or the chair's designee. Exception: If the behavior is immediately threatening to the instructor or other students, the instructor should notify ASU Police and request that they remove the student. Neither written nor oral warning is required in this case.

If the behavior persists, and with the approval of the department chair or the chair's designee, the instructor may forward a letter to the student, with copies to the chair/chair's designee, the graduate or undergraduate associate dean in the college and to Office of Student and Academic Programs (CLASDean@asu.edu), informing the student that he or she is being withdrawn from the class for disruptive behavior. In the letter, the instructor should also indicate that any appeal must be directed to The College by emailing CLASDean@asu.edu or calling 480-965-6506.

Upon receipt of the instructor's letter, the respective associate dean will forward a letter to the student, confirming the withdrawal and setting a deadline for appeal. The student may appeal the withdrawal by filing a written request to The College within 10 working days of the date of The College's letter.

If there is no appeal, the respective associate dean will forward the withdrawal to the registrar and inform the student, instructor and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Dean of Students Office.

If the student files an appeal with The College, the associate dean will convene an ad hoc committee to hear the appeal. The decision of the committee is final. The associate dean will send the final decision to the student, with a copy to the instructor and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

The instructor may also choose to file a conduct complaint with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, 480-965-6547.